The foot, ankle, and lower limbs are complex systems, including muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. When these structures suffer an injury, you may experience pain or swelling and difficulty moving your foot. Foot problems can be caused by several issues, including pressure on the ball of your feet (flat feet), too much stress on your arches (arch pain), poor balance, or arthritis in your arches or other areas around your foot. Foot problems require the attention of Alamo Heights podiatrist.
Here are telltale signs that you need to see a podiatrist.
Ingrown toenails
Ingrown toenails can be painful and can cause a lot of discomfort. The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is by wearing shoes that fit your feet correctly and by wearing socks that are the right length. If you have problems with ingrown toenails, it is essential to see a podiatrist.
Foot pain
If you experience foot pain, it is time to see a podiatrist. Foot pain often results from an injury or infection in your foot or other part of your body, but problems with your circulation, bones, or muscles can also cause it. If you have foot pain, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible to correct the problem before it becomes severe and causes further damage.
Bunions
Bunions are very common at the end of your toes. They are small, hard, and painful to the touch. You can get them when you walk or run, but you can also get them from wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. If you have bunions, they should be treated by a podiatrist.
Corns
Corns are caused by friction between the skin and the shoe shaft when you walk, jog or run. Corns are especially common in people who wear high-heeled or athletic shoes because of the increased pressure on their feet from those types of shoes. The best way to prevent corn is to wear shoes that fit properly from the start. If you have a tendency toward corn, seek the help of a podiatrist.
Athlete’s foot
An athlete’s foot is an infection that causes itching and redness on the soles of your feet, sometimes accompanied by white patches on the skin. It usually results from poor hygiene habits such as not washing your feet often or wearing inappropriate footwear like flip-flops at home or school instead of sneakers or athletic shoes. An athlete’s foot can sometimes be transmitted through contact with infected feet.
Nail fungus
Nail fungus is an infection of the skin on your nails, which makes them look pale and yellow. It also causes them to become brittle and cracked. Numerous things, including poor hygiene and unhealthy nails, can cause nail fungus. But if you are suffering from nail fungus, your podiatrist can help you resolve the issue.
Feet problems can affect your overall health negatively. So, it is essential to care for your feet, and in case of issues such as skin problems, sports injury, arthritis, and more, talk to a specialist from Marque Allen, DPM, FACFAS.
